Discover what’s in store this summer at the Erickson Center for the Arts, a nonprofit arts organization based in Curtis. From a concert series to musicals and a 1960s celebration, this Upper Peninsula destination is packed with events all summer in Northern Michigan.
Midsummer Medley | June 27
Kick back and relax to this classic concert featuring master musicians Paul Lundin on violin, Emily Olson on flute, and Robert Conway on piano. “Midsummer Medley” includes an assortment of works by C.P.E. Bach, Cesar Cui, Jacques Ibert, Astor Piazzolla and Franz Doppler, two additional selections by French composer Melanie Bonis and British composer Ethel Smyth.
Mark Farner’s American Band | July 1-2
Legendary all-American frontman and guitarist Mark Farner will perform Fourth of July weekend at The Pine Performance Center. As one of the founding members of Grand Funk Railroad, as well as the lead singer and lead guitarist, Farner is known as an energetic driving force on stage. Nearly 60 years later he commands the stage with the same intensity, performing epic hits that once defined a generation: “I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home),” “Bad Time,” “Heartbreaker,” “We’re An American Band,” and many more.
Photo by Mark Farner's American Band
Related Read: 16 June Events to Celebrate Summer in Northern Michigan
Magician Mike Bliss | July 7
Wrapping up the Fourth of July week, “Master of Variety” comedic magician Mike Bliss will make an exciting appearance at The Pine Performance Center. Mike Bliss has been performing his award-winning comedy and magic shows for over 30 years across the country.
Wine & Cheese Tasting | July 23
Don’t miss the Erickson Center for the Arts’ big summer event! Support the arts and enjoy an exclusive tasting at this annual fundraiser located at Chamberlin’s Ole Forest Inn. The fundraiser will have both a silent and live auction, a tasting of the best local wines, and live music.
“Oliver” The Musical | July 28-30
Presenting its 6th full-length musical, The Pine will feature a three-day showing of “Oliver” to wrap up the month of July. Enjoy this classic tale with a twist, featuring Lionel Bart’s musical based on Charles Dickens’ novel, Oliver Twist.
Photo by Erickson Center for the Arts
I.am.james. | August 9
Born and raised on the coast of Lake Michigan, singer-songwriter Sierra Cassidy grew up in a small, arts-driven community. With a connection to local folk and the roots festival scene, Sierra found inspiration for self-expression through song throughout her early years. Since releasing her first self-produced single in 2017, Sierra has shifted her role into the emblem “i.am.james.” Now you can catch her at The Pine in August. Her music has been noted as “heartache to dance to,” and draws influences from folk music and her admiration for contemporary pop music.
Magic Bus: A Musical Journey to Woodstock | August 11
Get out your ‘60s attire and prepare to groove to this exciting throwback show! This retro musical experience by Magic Bus will take you back to the Haight-Ashbury District of San Francisco in 1967. All are welcome to enjoy this epic ode to rock n’ roll.
Black Note Graffiti with guest Fyrbird | August 12
With their infectious appeal, this Ann Arbor rock band Black Note Graffiti just dropped their new jam “Fallacy.” Hear them live at The Pine in August. These prolific songwriters also have not one, but two brand new EPs coming out this summer. You even might have heard their latest single “Knights” on the radio all over Michigan.
The Striplin Duo | August 20
Legendary Detroit Symphony Orchestra violinist Joseph Striplin is joined by his wife Dana on the Steinway in this performance at The Pine. Joseph Striplin has been a member of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra since 1972. At the start of his career, he began as a teacher for three years in the Detroit Public Schools, and eventually became a member of the Metropolitan Opera National Company Orchestra. He performed with the Indianapolis Symphony for one season and spent four with the St. Louis Symphony before landing in Detroit. Currently, he is serving as maestro for the Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra.